Concrete floors are a popular option for many homeowners and businesses because of their durability and low maintenance requirements. However, it’s important to understand how to properly care for your concrete flooring in order to maximize its lifespan.
Here are some effective hacks to help you maintain your concrete floors:
1. Sweep or vacuum your floor regularly
This is the most basic and effective way to maintain your concrete floor. By sweeping or vacuuming regularly, you can remove any dirt, dust, or other debris that may have accumulated on the surface. This will help keep your floor looking clean and polished. Whether polished or stained concrete floors like the ones by the folks at https://craftsmanconcretefloors.com/stained-concrete-floors, regular cleaning will also help eliminate potentially hazardous substances, such as lead-based paint, from the floor which can be harmful to your health.
2. Apply a concrete sealer to protect the floor surface.
A concrete sealer is an excellent way of protecting your concrete floors from stains and dirt that may have accumulated after regular sweeping or vacuuming. It will also help to maintain the sheen and color of your concrete floors.
Stains can also be removed from a sealed floor surface by using a mild soap and a damp mop. If you are looking to seal a surface and make it waterproof, try Fix and Finish Colour. When the temperature drops below freezing, avoid walking on your concrete floors because this can cause damage to them. Use doormats at all exterior doors to help prevent dirt from being tracked onto the floors.
3. Do Not Use Acidic Products On Your Concrete Floor
Acidic products such as household cleaners and even natural things like lemon juice will damage your concrete floor. The reason is that most acidic substances contain acid groups, which will cause the alkali in the concrete to be neutralized and result in cracks on your floor.
To prevent this from happening, you should immediately clean up any spills by wiping the surface clean of the acidic substance.
4. Use rugs or mats at entrances and exits to help prevent dirt, dust, and other debris from getting tracked onto your floors
Wiping off any dirt and dust from the soles of your shoes onto your concrete floor will leave a hard-to-clean residue. This is a very unsightly mess that you want to avoid, so use rugs or mats at entrances and exits.
When you keep the dirt and dust to a minimum, it will help keep your concrete floor looking clean and new.
5. Consider using a concrete floor polish to help keep your floors looking clean and shiny.
This can help to protect your floors from spills and dirt, and it can make them much easier to clean. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, as some polishes can require special care or application.
Floor polish can also help to protect your floors from salt, water, and chemicals. Be sure to use the right kind of polish for your floor type. If you need help, check with a professional.
When water accumulates around the outside of your home, it causes the soil to expand. This expansion can put a lot of pressure on your concrete foundation that pushes water through small crevices, such as cracks, porous spots, or unsealed utility openings, causing seepage in your basement. Counteract this by having a waterproofing company install a basement waterproofing system.
6. Add an extra layer of protection using an anti-skid product.
These small strips are perfect for helping to fill in any small gaps and give the floor a completely smooth look.
If you don’t want to change the appearance of your floor, but would like to protect it, there are plenty of ways to do so while still maintaining its original beauty. For example, using anti-skid strips on the bottom of furniture will reduce the chances of scratching your floors.
7. Avoid Using Sharp Objects On Your Concrete Floor
Houses with concrete floors are bound to get some scratches on them, but there are ways of minimizing the damage, especially if your house is for commercial purposes.
One of the most important things that you can do in order to take care of your concrete floor is avoid sharp objects on it. You should keep away pens and pencils off your concrete floor as these can easily cause irreparable scratches. Sharp objects such as knives and scissors should also be kept away from your concrete floor for the same reason – to avoid deep cuts on it caused by hard metal blades.
Of course, accidents do happen and if you drop a knife or a pair of scissors onto your concrete floor, just move them away with a broom and sweep the area clean. If there is any deep cut or scratch on your concrete floor, you can use a touch-up pen to hide it. Touch-up pens are available in different colors so you can choose the one that best matches the color of your concrete floor.
8. Clean spills immediately
One of the most common causes of damaged concrete floors is accidental spills. Spills such as paint, alcohol, oil, and other liquids can cause serious damage if left unattended on your floor for too long. You should learn to clean spills immediately in order to prevent the liquid from seeping into the pores of your concrete floor. If you’re not sure how to go about it, better contact a professional cleaner as soon as possible.
Most of these tricks can be used on all types of concrete, whether it’s stained or polished to provide the desired effect. It is important, however, to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a new product on your floor for the first time. In most cases, you should test the product out in a small inconspicuous area to ensure it will work for your specific application.
When it comes to properly maintain your concrete floors, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your concrete floors looking beautiful and well-maintained for many years to come.
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